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Faith and Assurance
Hebrews 11:1–3 explains faith in clear teaching words. It describes what faith is, points to the approval received by the elders, and says faith shapes how we understand the world God made.
Understanding the passage
The setting of these words
These verses present faith as a key idea in direct teaching. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith with two linked descriptions. Hebrews 11:2 says the elders obtained approval by faith. Hebrews 11:3 adds that faith understands the universe as framed by the word of God, beyond what can be seen.
Hebrews 11:1–3Main takeaway
Faith involves assurance and understanding in relation to realities we cannot see.
Follow the letter’s teaching
Open a card to explore the full explanation and its Bible references.
01Faith and what is hoped forVerse 1 gives a compact description of faith. Faith is called assurance of things hoped for, so it relates to what is still future or not yet in hand.
Explanation
Verse 1 gives a compact description of faith. Faith is called assurance of things hoped for, so it relates to what is still future or not yet in hand. It is also called proof of things not seen, which means faith deals with realities beyond ordinary sight.
02Faith and the elders’ approvalVerse 2 says, “by this”, meaning by faith, the elders obtained approval. The main point is direct and simple: faith was connected with their approval.
Explanation
Verse 2 says, “by this”, meaning by faith, the elders obtained approval. The main point is direct and simple: faith was connected with their approval. The verse draws attention to faith itself, showing its importance in how the elders were regarded.
03Faith and understanding creationVerse 3 says faith helps us understand that the universe has been framed by the word of God.
Explanation
Verse 3 says faith helps us understand that the universe has been framed by the word of God. This explanation begins with God’s word, not with visible materials. The writer connects faith with understanding, showing that faith is tied to what God has said about the world.
04Seen things and unseen originThe end of verse 3 sharpens the point: what is seen was not made out of things which are visible.
Explanation
The end of verse 3 sharpens the point: what is seen was not made out of things which are visible. The passage does not describe the process in detail here. It teaches that the visible universe depends on God’s word and that faith accepts this unseen foundation.
Questions to explore
Pause, look back at the verses and talk together.
01In Hebrews 11:1, what two descriptions are given for faith?
Look carefully at the paired phrases in the verse: one speaks about things hoped for, and one speaks about things not seen.
02According to Hebrews 11:2, what did the elders receive by faith?
The answer is a short phrase in the verse, showing the result connected with faith.
03What does Hebrews 11:3 say faith helps us understand about the universe?
Notice both parts of the verse: the universe was framed by the word of God, and seen things were not made from visible things.
Read the Bible passage
World English Bible ClassicScripture quotation · Public domain
Hebrews 11:1–3
1Now faith is assurance of things hoped for, proof of things not seen.
2For by this, the elders obtained approval.
3By faith we understand that the universe has been framed by the word of God, so that what is seen has not been made out of things which are visible.